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If you’re curious about what it’s like to read a book on an e-reader, or you’re shopping around for just the right fit, you can check out one from the library beginning Sunday, June 1.

The library has added eight Kindle Fire and Kindle Touch e-readers to the collection. Card holders can also reserve one by going to thelibrary.org/catalog, and search for “kindle fire” or “kindle touch.” Many U.S. library systems have successful e-reader checkout programs.

A grant from the Missouri State Library purchased the eight devices in 2011 so staff could train and be ready to help visitors learn to download books on their devices. While they’re older models, the technology is basically the same for the casual user.

The e-readers may come downloaded with a few books in the public domain, but the idea is for patrons, themselves, to experience downloading e-books from the library’s collection at thelibrary.org/digital. You can always ask a librarian for help, too.

Check-out period for an e-reader is three weeks, the same for most books and audiobooks. Once the check-out period is over or the e-reader is returned, the downloaded book goes away. (The same applies when you download a library book or other item on your personal device.) Normal fines and fees will apply for overdue, lost or stolen e-readers.

A patron may also use the e-reader to purchase and download books from sources such as Amazon. However, the e-reader will be reset when returned to the library, so the “purchased” book will be erased from the device.
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Pardon Our Dust ... and detours! Monday, June 2, is the expected date the Library Center front entrance will undergo construction to install a new canopy. The project could last through June, and we apologize for the temporary inconvenience.

For safety reasons, signs will direct all visitors to use the Mudhouse entrance next to the south-side patio. During construction, some of the café tables and chairs will be relocated to the concourse; we’ll get to dine “al fresco.”

Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director for the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org.